Anglo - Kuki War 1917 -1919

Sominthang Doungel
Contd from previous issue
10    Pu Leothang Haokip, Chief of Goboh    3 yrs
11    Pu Lunkholal Sitlhou, Chief of Chonjang    3 yrs
12    Pu Semchung Haokip, Chief of Ukha    3 yrs
TERMS OF IMPRISONMENT FOR CHIEFS IN TAUNGYJI JAIL  IN BURMA (MYANMAR)
Sl.No.    NAME OF PRISONERS    PERIOD OF DETENTION
1    Pu Kamjahen Haokip, Chief of Phailengjang    3 yrs
2    Pu Letkhothang Haokip, Chief of Khotuh    3 yrs
3    Pu Semkholun Haokip, Chief of Phaisat    3 yrs
4    Pu Vumngul Kipgen, Chief of Tujang    3 yrs
5    Pu Haokhopao Haokip, Chief of Molvailup    3 yrs
6    Pu Tongkholun Haokip, Chief of Phailengjang    3 yrs
7    Pu Nangjapao Lupheng, Chief of Tonglhang    3 yrs
8    Pu Sonkhopao Haokip, Chief of Twison    3 yrs
9    Pu Letjahao Chongloi, Chief of Khomunnom    3 yrs
10    Pu Kondem Baite, Chief of Sachih    3 yrs
11    PU Jalhun Haokip, Chief of Molvom    3 yrs
The conditions of the political exile laid down under regulation 111 of 1818 was signed by R.E. Hilland, secretary to the Government of India Foreign political Department dated December 1919.
The conditions were :-
1. That they could not be detained in Jail and that their place of residence and movements be under close supervision of the Government at suitable localities, that movements be limited within the prescribed radius without confinement that there place of exile was selected at Sodiya being far away from Kuki country and that the climatic conditions was cool and healthy at Sodiya on the North bank of the Brahmaputra river which suited the chiefs.
2. That they were entitled to acquire land as wished for cultivator in Sodiya and that their choice of land for habitation must in no case be  beyond two miles from the political office of Sodiya.
3. That the British Imperial govt. in England was convinced that it was possible to hold that the Kuki chiefs were, more sinned against than sinning and therefore, the policy of clemency was both called for and justified.
The exiled chiefs were later shifted to Andaman.
RELEASE OF CHIEFS FROM POLITICAL JAIL
All the Kuki chiefs were released after a long three years but Pu Chengjapao Doungel was detained for another one year of imprisonment for being Mi-upa (head of all Kuki clans)
The Kuki chiefs and great warriors went back home and were re-united again with their beloved people, they were welcomed back with tears and joy.
After  the release of all the chiefs Pu Chengjapao  Doungel composed a song
“Henkol kaijin thimthu tamlel tauvinte,
Keija henkol jangkhen thih hija ham?
Keija henkol jang khen thih hiponte.
Lenglui cham chang cheng khao balou
Lhang a Manglung kihei lou lai hinte”

Meaning :
“ My fellow prisoners whose hands were shackled,
Would now be free to talk as they like
My hand-cuff, is it made of strong steel?
My hand-cuff is not made of strong steel,
The way to cross the river is not yet laid for me
The British Lord is not yet done with me.”

On completion of one additional year in 1923 the British govt of India released Pu Chengjapao Doungel. He was escorted to Kohima by the British govt. where many chiefs and leaders met him. On behalf of the Kukis, Pu Haojakhup Chongloi chief of Jangnoi capped him with “SATELDEL” as a sign of respect and love and said, “We are thankful for your good return to your native land with good health safe and sound.”
Pu Chengjapao Doungel replied, “Dear Pakhup (Haojakhup) I’m delighted to come back home again. May God bless and multiply your village. Continue to prosper in the days to come.”
Pu Chengjapao was escorted from Kohima to Imphal Headquarters of Manipur where he was welcomed by thousands of people who clothed him with Saipikhup and  capped him with Tuhpah and out of joy he composed a song
To be contd